Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am sure she is. We understand that the commission of investigation into the Grace case was granted a 12 month extension yesterday. It has been under way for a year now under Marjorie Farrelly and was due to submit its phase 1 final report around this time. We understand issues have been identified about possible witnesses and examining all the necessary documents. We also understand concerns have been expressed by victims' families of the highly confrontational and indeed adversarial nature of the commission's work. This is an issue of grave concern that this House debated at some length a year ago. Could the Minister bring us up to speed on exactly where the investigation is at? I accept it is a matter entirely for the independent commission but this House set it up. When is it expected that its first phase of work will be completed?

The Minister will know that there is a group of very vulnerable people who were to be subject to further work once the first phase was completed. There are a lot of concerned individuals who are very anxious that there would be further delay in investigating their treatment. Could I ask the Minister please to update us on exactly the state of play in relation to the Grace commission?

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